The Lightning, 28th in the league, will have a desirable draft position and has a first-round pick, two seconds, two fourths, a sixth from the Predators that will turn into a fifth if Nick Tarnasky plays 55 games, and a seventh.

General manager Brian Lawton wants more.

"This is an opportunity to add to that in what is a very deep draft," he said.

Generally, sellers trade potential unrestricted free agents so they are not lost for nothing. Recchi, Roberts, defenseman Marek Malik and left wing Matt Pettinger are in that category, but it is obvious where the interest lies.

Recchi, 41, is third on the team with 45 points and second with 32 assists. He also has Stanley Cup wins in 2006 with the Hurricanes and 1991 with the Penguins. Roberts, 42, can still affect a game with grit and determination and has a Cup win in 1989 with the Flames.

So, been there, done that.

"You've just got to be prepared to be a small piece of the puzzle," Roberts said. "It wouldn't be easy to end up playing seven minutes a night. But I still would relish the opportunity to be a small piece of the puzzle and fill whatever role that team would need for me to fill."

Recchi, acquired by Carolina at the deadline from Pittsburgh, said players acclimate quickly.

"I felt a real part of it," said Recchi, who had seven goals and 16 points in 25 postseason games for the 'Canes. "Once you get through that first playoff round, you're there with the guys. They know you're there to battle for them regardless of whether you're there for 20 games or the whole playoff run."

Jeff Halpern, acquired last season in the Stars' deadline deal for Brad Richards, said most difficult is the nervousness as the deadline approaches.

"I have no idea what's going to happen," said the center, signed for next season but coveted as a deadline acquisition for his leadership and commitment to defense. "It's always a weird feeling not knowing who is going to be traded."

"Not anxious at all," Recchi said. "I came here to help this team. Expectations were high, and I wanted to be part of that. But I play to win championships. If I get moved and get an opportunity to win, so be it."